Electronic, chemical and structural characterization of CNTs grown by SiC surface decomposition

he electronic, chemical and structural properties of Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs) synthesized by Silicon Carbide surface decomposition were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy/Spectroscopy (STM/STS), Electron Energy Loss (EEL) and Raman spectroscopy. A clear relationship between the bonding features and the growth condition (temperature and growth time) is obtained. The morphology of the sample investigated by SEM reveals a well-packed and aligned structure of the CNTs. Different lengths of the CNTs are observed depending on the local temperature of the sample surface. The longest observed CNTs were 500/600 nm. The STS measurements show I-V diode-like characteristic curve which can be used, for instance, as an electron collector in solar cells applications. As a perspective metallic electrode, gold, will be deposited on top of the CNTs in the future, to collect the electron current and investigated by the same techniques.